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Last season, the Jacksonville Jaguars' defense was among the most dynamic in the NFL, with 31 takeaways trailing only the Chicago Bears.
However, the defense will look a bit different after Devin Lloyd's signing with the Carolina Panthers and the additions of various rookies and free agents.
However, one player who has been slotted for a big season is fourth-year linebacker Ventrell Miller, who was identified as Pro Football Focus' No. 1 breakout candidate at his position.
"Working as a backup last season, Miller was very effective, netting a 72.6 overall PFF grade on 220 snaps," PFF's Bradley Locker wrote. "His best work came against the run, where he secured an 82.8 PFF run-defense mark that sat 15th among all linebackers. While Miller was diminished against the pass throughout his larger body of work, he earned at least a 69.2 PFF coverage grade in three of his last four games —suggesting he has more in the tank."
Miller had an unfortunate start to his professional career, suffering an Achilles tear before ever being able to play during his rookie year.
However, since then, Miller has shown the capability to be a difference maker for years to come in Jacksonville's fast-paced defense.
Miller's hard-hitting ability and pursuit are two of his top qualities, which fits perfectly in defensive coordinator Anthony Campanile's scheme.
Head coach Liam Coen talked about his vision for the former fourth-round pick in Spring OTA's.
"This is not a setting in which we're gonna feel him do what he does best, which we know is thump, stop the run, be somebody that can run sideline to sideline and get downhill," Coen said. "So we're trying to stress him and stress those guys in coverage a lot more this spring, and I think he's responded."
Miller appeared in 17 games last season, mostly in a supplemental role behind Lloyd, but showcased a small sample size of improved coverage skills.
According to PFF, Miller's coverage grade inside the box, where he will be expected to do most of his work, was within the 88th percentile. Miller also recorded his first career interception, while forcing a career-best two fumbles and four passes defended.
With Lloyd moving onto the NFC, the ball-hawking linebacker role next to tackling-machine Foyesade Oluokun is Miller's for the taking.
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However, the defense will look a bit different after Devin Lloyd's signing with the Carolina Panthers and the additions of various rookies and free agents.
However, one player who has been slotted for a big season is fourth-year linebacker Ventrell Miller, who was identified as Pro Football Focus' No. 1 breakout candidate at his position.
"Working as a backup last season, Miller was very effective, netting a 72.6 overall PFF grade on 220 snaps," PFF's Bradley Locker wrote. "His best work came against the run, where he secured an 82.8 PFF run-defense mark that sat 15th among all linebackers. While Miller was diminished against the pass throughout his larger body of work, he earned at least a 69.2 PFF coverage grade in three of his last four games —suggesting he has more in the tank."
Miller had an unfortunate start to his professional career, suffering an Achilles tear before ever being able to play during his rookie year.
However, since then, Miller has shown the capability to be a difference maker for years to come in Jacksonville's fast-paced defense.
Miller's hard-hitting ability and pursuit are two of his top qualities, which fits perfectly in defensive coordinator Anthony Campanile's scheme.
Head coach Liam Coen talked about his vision for the former fourth-round pick in Spring OTA's.
"This is not a setting in which we're gonna feel him do what he does best, which we know is thump, stop the run, be somebody that can run sideline to sideline and get downhill," Coen said. "So we're trying to stress him and stress those guys in coverage a lot more this spring, and I think he's responded."
Miller appeared in 17 games last season, mostly in a supplemental role behind Lloyd, but showcased a small sample size of improved coverage skills.
According to PFF, Miller's coverage grade inside the box, where he will be expected to do most of his work, was within the 88th percentile. Miller also recorded his first career interception, while forcing a career-best two fumbles and four passes defended.
With Lloyd moving onto the NFC, the ball-hawking linebacker role next to tackling-machine Foyesade Oluokun is Miller's for the taking.
Join the Community
Don't miss out on our ROUNDTABLE community and the latest news!
It's completely free to join, simply by clicking the yellow button at the top of the homepage. Share your thoughts, engage with our Roundtable writers, and chat with fellow members.
Continue reading...
